Getting a driver’s license is one of the biggest milestones in a teen’s life. For them, it represents a whole new world of independence and responsibility. For parents, it represents a lot of new worries and concerns.
And first among them is how they are going to make sure their teens have all the knowledge and skills they need to pass their tests and become a safe driver.
Signing up for classes at a professional driving school is the first step in this process, and it’s one of the most important. So, before you make this decision, let’s look at some of the most common questions we hear and find out if these answers can help you make your decision.
What Does It Cost?
We offer different courses for adults and teens, and they each are priced differently. (So, you can begin by looking at the details of your nearest driving school.). The real question is: what should it cost? Like so many other things in life, you get what you pay for – and when you’re learning to drive, you probably shouldn’t be looking for bargain basement prices. Instead, this is the time to seek out high-quality, professional programs. This will increase your chances to pass the tests on the first try and save you more time and money in the long run.
What are the Enrollment Requirements?
Every state has different requirements for teens that want to acquire a license. In generally, though, a teen driver needs to be at least 15 years old and have consent from their parents or guardians before their first class.
What is Required to Complete the Program?
Students will need to complete all their classes and drives within 120 days from the start date. If this can’t be accomplished, the student may be required to start again. Successful completion of the course includes 34 hours of classroom instruction, at least 5 one-hour behind-the-wheel sessions, and at least 1 one-hour behind-the-wheel observation sessions.
What is Your Pass Rate?
This is a common question that could imply a couple things. One: the student wants to know how effective the classes are, or two: they want to know how easy the coursework is. We are less interested in numbers like these and focus instead on developing the safest drivers possible. (But feel free to ask us directly for the details.)
What Happens If the New Driver Doesn’t Pass?
We do everything possible to equip teen drivers with the skills and experience they need to pass the program and their test. If, however, the new driver is unable to complete the courses or their drives in the allotted time or reach the required scores, they may be required to retake the course before they can attempt the driving tests.
Do I Need My Permit Before Starting Driving School?
Yes and no. Since part of the course involves behind-the-wheel training, we recommend having your permit at least 10 days prior to the starting teen driving school. However, there is some leeway here, and you can get started without it. You just need to have it by the third class, and you must have it with you during every scheduled or practice drive.
Why Is It Important to Work with Professional Instructors?
While parents are an important part of the learning process, preparing a teen for the open road is something that should be done with the utmost care and attention to detail. We’re talking about the knowledge and skills that could save lives behind the wheel. We’re also talking about teenagers and, let’s face it, they have a history of tuning out the things that parents say. A professional who has experience working with teens can have a greater impact on their learning process.
What Qualifies as a Good Instructor?
The best instructors know how to relate to their students. They know how to make the material engaging and ensure their students understand the gravity of the situation and the responsibility of being a defensive driver. An instructor should have the experience to present the information in a way that students can easily consume and retain, and they should know how to make the student feels comfortable behind the wheel.
How Flexible are the Schedules?
The student must spend a certain amount of time in class and behind the wheel. There is, of course, some leeway in the scheduling to ensure that every student has an opportunity to fit it into their busy lives. However, as mentioned earlier, if the student stretches their schedule out too long, they may be required to start again.
How Can I Stay Involved?
We believe that parents should be involved with the driving lessons from the very start and actively participate in the learning process. Parents can make great coaches and should be ready to help their kids get the practice they need. Sometimes, if you’re not sure how you can best coach your kids, though, be sure to give us a call and our instructors can give you some tips.
Getting Ready for Driving School
Whether you’re a teenager or an adult, getting your license is kind of a big deal. Everyone naturally has a lot of questions about the process, and we want to help you be ready for the fun and responsibility of getting a license. Take the time to explore these questions and answers and if you have any more questions, get in touch with us anytime.
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